What to Wear in Thailand: A Practical Packing List for Women & Men

Detailed Thailand Packing List for Women & Men

1.) Easy-to-move luggage + packing cubes

If your Thailand trip includes multiple stops like ours did, try not to overpack. It is so much easier to move between hotels when you’re not dragging around a bunch of overstuffed suitcases. (We’re big fans of American Tourister hardshell luggage.)

I’m also a big fan of packing cubes for a trip like this. When you’re unpacking and repacking every few days, they keep everything from turning into a mess. I like using separate ones for dresses, tops, undergarments, swimsuits, and toiletries.

2.) A comfortable day bag

You’ll also want a smaller crossbody bag or backpack for the day to carry things like sunscreen, water, sunglasses, your phone, portable charger, and whatever else you want within easy reach.

This was especially useful in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where we were out for long stretches and doing a lot on foot. I also liked having room for a lightweight scarf in case I needed to cover up or wanted something for overly aggressive air conditioning.

Note: Some temples will not accept a scarf as “covering up”; you will need to wear a t-shirt or dress with sleeves if your shoulders are exposed.

3.) Lightweight dresses

I wore lightweight dresses most of the time in Thailand.

They were the easiest thing to throw on in the heat, and they worked well for everything from walking around the city to going out to dinner. I’d just pair them with sneakers or sandals and be done with it.

If you’re planning to visit temples, just be mindful of the length and the cut. Very short dresses or anything too bare are not the best choice for Wat visits. Your shoulders and knees need to be covered. (See note above!)

A few of my favorites I packed:

• Carve Designs dress – for the beach. Served as a great beach dress and swimsuit cover-up. (It’s made of recycled swimwear, so it dries fast!)
• Farm Rio and Salty Crush cotton dress – loved them for touring temples and nicer dinners at night.
• Karina Dresses – these are the best travel dresses. No wrinkles and very breathable.

If you need more dress recommendations, check out my favorite travel dresses in my wardrobe!

4.) Breathable tops

Even though I leaned heavily on dresses, it still helps to pack a few lightweight tops.

Loose T-shirts, linen tops, and breathable travel shirts all make sense here. Thailand is hot enough that you’ll notice right away if you packed the wrong fabric. I would stick with things that feel light and dry reasonably fast.

This goes for men, too!

We loved Free Fly and SCOTTeVEST for these. We also like wearing long sleeves for sun protection.

5.) Lightweight pants for temple days

This was one of the more useful things to have along.

On temple touring days, my husband wore lightweight Free Fly pants and shirts, and that worked really well. He was far more comfortable in those than he would have been in jeans.

For women, lightweight pants are nice to have, too. Loose linen pants or easy travel pants are a good option when you want a little more coverage without feeling overheated five minutes after stepping outside.

6.) Shorts for casual or beach days

Outside of temple visits, shorts are very handy in Thailand.

My husband wore them on the non-temple days, especially when we were doing more casual sightseeing or spending time somewhere more relaxed. If your itinerary includes island time or pool time, you’ll definitely want a couple of pairs.

I still reached for dresses more often than shorts, but it’s nice to have the option.

7.) Comfortable sneakers

If you are going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Chiang Rai, pack sneakers that you know you can walk in for hours. (These are some of my favorite sneakers for my wide feet/bunion.)

There was a lot of walking on this trip, especially in Bangkok, and I was glad to have shoes I trusted. I like Keds (and we also both like Nikes). This is not where I’d experiment with anything new. You’ll care a lot less about your shoes being cute when your feet are killing you by lunchtime.

I also have a post and YouTube video on some of my favorite things to do in Bangkok if you’re still planning that part of your trip.

8.) Easy slip-on sandals

Sandals are great for Thailand too, especially if they’re easy to get on and off.

This is important because you’ll be taking your shoes off often at temples. Shoes that are a hassle to remove get old fast. I’d skip anything with too many straps or anything that takes forever to buckle.

I also liked having sandals for dinners and more relaxed days, but comfort still matters here.

9.) Swimsuit + cover-up

Always keep a swimsuit in your luggage! There were plenty of opportunities to hit the pool or the beach on this trip.

I used my Carve Designs dress and my shorts/lightweight shirts as coverups, so I didn’t pack a specific beach coverup. But it can be handy to have if you want to keep your travel clothes a little less sweaty and sandy!

10.) Sunglasses + a hat

Thailand sun is intense, so sunglasses are a must.

A hat can also be helpful, especially on long sightseeing days or if you’re spending time near the water. I don’t always love wearing hats, but they do make a difference when you’re out in full sun for hours. (If I were to do this again, I would definitely bring a hat. My husband lived in his.)

11.) Sunscreen

Bring sunscreen you actually like using. I personally like using Elta MD.

I always prefer packing my own rather than trying to buy something once I’m there. Between sightseeing, walking, beach time, boat rides, and just being outside a lot in general, you’ll go through more of it than you think.

Having a travel-size aloe along is a good idea too, in case you forget to reapply your sunscreen (like me!).

12.) Bug spray

Bug spray is another one I would not skip.

Depending on where you’re going and what time of year you visit, it can really come in handy, especially in the evenings or in more tropical areas. I’d rather bring it and not use much of it than wish I had it later.

And if you are like me and tend to forget to wear bug spray at night…be sure to pack an anti-itch stick!

13.) Anti-chafe and blister products

Not glamorous, but worth packing.

Hot weather and lots of walking can do a number on your feet and thighs if you are not prepared. Blister patches, anti-chafe products, and comfortable socks do not take up much room, and you’ll be glad to have them if you need them.

14.) Lightweight underwear and sleepwear

This is not the trip for heavy pajamas or undergarments that take forever to dry.

I’d stick with lightweight underwear and sleepwear that feels breathable and easy to wash if needed. That matters more on a hot trip than people sometimes realize.

15.) Toiletries and medications

Bring your usual toiletries, plus any medications you take regularly.

I’d also toss in the basics you tend to want while traveling, like pain reliever, stomach meds, hand sanitizer, and tissues. If you’re picky about skincare, haircare, or sunscreen, I’d just bring your own travel sizes and call it a day. I like using these little bottles to decant my products into.

16.) Portable charger

A portable charger is a must for me on a trip like this.

You’ll likely be using your phone for directions, photos, ride apps, travel confirmations, and all the usual day-to-day travel stuff.

17.) Outlet adapter

A universal travel adapter is another must-bring. I personally like just using these universal adapters vs buying a specific adapter for each place I visit. I have yet to have this one not work in a country I visited.

What to Wear to Temples in Thailand

If you’re planning to visit temples in Thailand, dress a little more modestly than you might for the beach or a casual day around town.

That means covering your shoulders and knees, and remember, some temples will not count scarves/wraps as adequate shoulder coverage. You need sleeves!

What Shoes to Wear in Thailand

For me, the best shoes for Thailand were comfortable sneakers and easy sandals.

Sneakers made the most sense for long city days. Sandals were great for relaxed days, resort time, and anywhere I knew I’d be taking my shoes on and off a lot.

I would not pack brand-new shoes for this trip unless you already know they’re comfortable. Thailand involves too much walking for that kind of gamble.

These are some of my favorite travel sneakers!